What is Acute lymphangitis ?

Acute lymphangitis is inflammation of one or more vessels of lymph vessels.


CAUSE
Streptococcal bacteria. Lymph vessels are small tubes that carry lymph from the tissues to the lymph nodes and throughout the body. Streptococcal bacteria usually enter these vessels through friction, injury or infection (particularly cellulitis) in the arm or leg.


SYMPTOMS
Under the skin of an infected arm or leg, red scratches will appear irregular and warm. Scratches are usually extends from the infected area leading to a group of lymph nodes, such as those contained in the groin or armpit. The lymph nodes will be enlarged and palpable tender.

Patients usually experience fever, chills, increased heart rate and headaches. Sometimes these symptoms appear before the occurrence of abnormalities in the skin. The spread of infection of the lymph vessels into the blood stream will carry the infection throughout the body. The skin over the lymph vessels of infected sores may develop.


Diagnosis
Blood tests may show an increased number of white blood cells. Infecting organism can be cultured in the laboratory only when the infection has spread to the bloodstream or if pus is formed on an open wound.


TREATMENT
Most patients will recover soon after being given antibiotics, which usually dikloksasilin, nafsilin or oxacillin.


PREVENTION
Maintaining health and hygiene will help prevent many infections.